Jerry Franklin Martin, father, grandfather, brother, friend and teacher to thousands of students, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on May 22, 2015 at his home of 52 years.Jerry was born on July 26, 1932 in Balmorhea, Texas to Bruce Rector Martin, Sr. and Jennie Mae Martin.
He was raised in West Texas and was a proud Texan. He was drafter into the Army where he served in Germany during the Korean Conflict, then came to Oakland, California, where he met Barbara Van Slyke on a blind date.
He and Barbara were married on December 15, 1955. He convinced Barbara to move back to Texas
so he could finish his education at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas.
Jerry also taught high school in Alpine, then moved his young family to California in 1961, where he went to work at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory.
In August of 1963, Jerry accepted a teaching position at Calaveras High School and moved the family to Angels Camp.
Jerry taught almost every subject at Calaveras during his tenure there, but focused on sciences, eventually retiring in 1992.
In his early years at Calaveras, he also assisted with coaching baseball, basketball and football, but finally settled on coaching football for many years. He also served as the official started for countless Mother Lode League track meets.
After retiring, he and Barbara traveled the U.S. and abroad, often with close friends or family.
Upon the arrival of their first grandchild in 1995, their focus turned to being doting and wonderful grandparents.
Jerry loved being "Grandpa Martin" and looked forward to every visit and phone call with any of his four grandchildren.
He was known for his sense of humor, storytelling and sharp mind. In his many years of retirement, he was often approached by former students or parents of former students, to say hello and tell him that he had made a difference in their lives.
They would also often tell him that he looked the same after all these years and he would tell them that they needed new glasses.
He just recently attended the 50th reunion of the Calaveras Class of 1965. Amazingly, he seemed to remember almost every student who was in every class over the years. He loved being a teacher.
In the past couple of years, Jerry found a new family at the Grace Hills Covenant Church in Angels Camp, where he became a member just a few months before his death.
The family would like to thank Pastor Dusty Bach, and all of the wonderful members of Grace Hills for embracing Jerry and making him feel so loved and comfortable being a part of their spiritual family.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Barbara and three siblings. He is survived by his brother Bruce Rector Martin, Jr., his three sons Dana (Gloria), Scott (Jeanne) and Terry. He is also survived by four beloved granddaughters, Kristen, Laura, Alyssa and Chez.
A celebration of Jerry's life is being arranged and the date, location and time will be announced when available.
Angels Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements.
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